Fractures of the femoral neck: a retrospective and prospective study

Fractures of the femoral neck place increasing demands on orthopaedic resources. A retrospective review of 570 cases compared theatre data with Health Board computer records. Only 333 (58%) were appropriately documented, confirming the unreliability of studies based on hospital-generated data. In a prospective study, 582 patients were followed for 3 months. Of those admitted from home, 64% returned to the community; of those walking without a stick before fracture, 20% remained mobile without support after fracture. Poor mobility before fracture was associated with a higher mortality, but mortality was independent of either fracture type or operative procedure. Acute hospital mortality was low at 3.8% but increased throughout convalescence to 18.7% at 3 months. Continuing audit of this expanding group is necessary as a guide for resource allocation, as well as improving clinical standards and comparing results.